An unexpected, dramatic last-minute event which potentially alters the outcome of an election. The term dates to the 1980 presidential campaign, in which Jimmy Carter planned, for October of that year, an operation to rescue American hostages held in Iran. Carter was lagging behind in polls and a successful rescue, an "October surprise," would likely have shifted the momentum to his side. The attempt failed, however, and Carter lost the election. Some have suggested that the Reagan campaign deliberately sabotaged the effort in order to bolster his candidacy.

Before Osama bin Laden released his newest tape, some people thought the Bush campaign would produce him as an October surprise.

A sex act performed during mediocre and depressing congress where one partner at the last minute produces a hidden dildonic device such as a godemiche or olisbos with the intent of stimulating their partner enough to compensate for the previous lack of skill.

Connie, not getting the usual response from performing a blumpkin and concerned about re-election, attempted to stimulate the constituents anus with a previously hidden vibrating George Bush buttplug. Sufficiently October Surprised, the constituent ejaculated all over Connie's face, ensuring 4 more years of hard core unforgiving fissure tearing ass pounding. God bless America.